 the means of
taking vengeance for the insults they had received from the petulant peer; for,
until that aim should be accomplished, Mr. Bramble swore, with great emphasis,
that he would not leave the inn where we now lodged, even if he should pass his
Christmas on the spot.
    In consequence of our deliberations, we next day, in the forenoon, proceeded
in a body to his lordship's house, all of us, with our servants, including the
coachman, mounted a-horseback, with our pistols loaded and ready primed. - Thus
prepared for action, we paraded solemnly and slowly before his lordship's gate,
which we passed three times in such a manner, that he could not but see us, and
suspect the cause of our appearance. - After dinner we returned, and performed
the same calvalcade, which was again repeated the morning following; but we had
no occasion to persist in these manoeuvres. - About noon, we were visited by the
gentleman, at whose house we had first seen lord Oxmington. - He now came to
make apologies in the name of his lordship, who declared he had no intention to
give offence to my uncle, in practising what had been always the custom of his
house; and that as for the indignities which had been put upon the officer, they
were offered without his lordship's knowledge, at the instigation of his valet
de chambre. - »If that be the case, (said my uncle, in a peremptory tone) I
shall be contented with lord Oxmington's personal excuses; and I hope my friend
will be satisfied with his lordship's turning that insolent rascal out of his
service.« »Sir, (cried Lismahago), I must insist upon taking personal vengeance
for the personal injuries I have sustained.«
    After some debate, the affair was adjusted in this manner. - His lordship,
meeting us at our friend's house, declared he was sorry for what had happened;
and that he had no intention to give umbrage. - The valet de chambre asked
pardon of the lieutenant upon his knees, when Lismahago, to the astonishment of
all present, gave him a violent kick on the face, which laid him on his back,
exclaiming in a furious tone, »Oui je te pardonne, gens foutre.«
    Such was the fortunate issue of this perilous adventure, which threatened
abundance of vexation to our family; for the 'squire is one of those who will
sacrifice both life and fortune, rather than leave what they conceive to be the
least speck or blemish
